Assam: Karimganj boy designs ‘theft proof’ e-cycle, needs help to patent it

Karimganj: Embracing PM Modi’s ‘vocal for local’ call, Assam’s Samrat Nath has built an e-cycle fitted with modern sensors and tracking systems, thereby making it a ‘theft-proof’.

An incident of bicycle theft during his childhood sparked his interest in such innovation. When his father’s bike got stolen, it proved to hurt the family financially as the bike was purchased with a loan.

But it made Samrat look for a solution and invent a two-wheeler that is theft-proof. He has made it possible after four years of hard work and perseverance.

The e-cycle is fitted with modern sensors and tracking systems, making it a remarkable innovation with better configuration at an affordable price.

“After my father lost the bike, I always wondered if a system could be devised to prevent motorcycle theft. But I was in school and did not have the required knowledge or knowhow to develop a solution” he said.

A resident of Anipur village in Assam’s Karimganj district, Samrat pursued higher secondary education from Ramkrisna Nagar Vidyapith and later shifted to Silchar for studying technology in ITI Assam Rifles.

Speaking to EastMojo, the innovator said he learnt about coding and electronic circuit making from YouTube videos.

Notably, the cycle is fitted with a GPS tracking system and a fingerprint sensor that allows the owner to locate or lock/unlock the cycle from any corner of the world. In addition, the cycle is also connected with a mobile application.

“I did not have any money to buy these expensive devices. So, I started learning coding from YouTube. I had spent all my savings to purchase a bicycle and all the accessories required for the transformation from the market. The total cost of the project is around Rs 25,000,” Samrat said.

The e-cycle is powered via Lithium-ion batteries recycled from used laptops and offers a range of 60-km on a single charge with a speed of 40 km per hour.

“The cycle is special in regards to its security features where you can unlock the cycle with the fingerprint sensor installed in the cycle or with an app on the smartphone. There is also an alarm that buzzes and sends notifications to the mobile via the app. In case of any robbery, the cycle can be easily tracked via GPS,” he added.

Samrat has also developed an app that connects with the GPS installed on the bicycle to enable tracking. “The fingerprint sensor allows access to switch on electronic locks and other components of the bike,” he said.

The next target for Samrat is to get a patent for his bicycle, for which he needs about Rs 60,000. “I have already run out of my savings. Now to patent my work, I need more money. No company is doing this as of now. I want to register the cycle under the name of Sam Electron,” he shared.

Samrat now dreams of manufacturing his e-cycle on a commercial scale and selling it at an affordable price.

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